Ragnar Lothbrok and the Carolingian Frontier: The Siege of Paris 885-886

In this episode, Lucas and Luna explore the Great Siege of Paris (885-886), a pivotal moment in Viking Age history that goes far beyond the legendary exploits of Ragnar Lothbrok. While earlier episodes touched on Ragnar's own raid on Paris in 845, this conversation dives deep into the later, massive siege led by Sigfred and Rollo — a campaign that pitted hundreds of Viking ships against the newly fortified bridges and walls of West Frankia. We examine the strategic genius of Count Odo of Paris, the controversial role of Emperor Charles the Fat, and the enduring myth of the Viking siege as a turning point in European history. Drawing on the Annals of St. Vaast, the Chronicle of Regino of Prüm, and the epic poem Bella Parisiacae urbis by Abbo of Saint-Germain, we separate fact from legend, explore the use of siege tactics and naval blockades, and consider how the siege shaped the future of the Carolingian Empire. Listeners will come away with a vivid understanding of one of the most dramatic confrontations of the Viking Age — and why it still resonates today.

#VikingAge #SiegeOfParis885 #CarolingianEmpire #CountOdo #CharlesTheFat #Sigfred #Rollo #WestFrankia #VikingSiege #AnnalsOfStVaast #ReginoOfPrüm #AbboOfSaintGermain #BellaParisiaceaeUrbis #VikingTactics #SeineRiver #MedievalHistory #History #FexingoHistory

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